THE 



EPISTJLES 

OF 

HORACE; 

TRANSLATED 

INTO ENGLISH VERSE, 



%^t* S 



.W-/& 






BIR31IXGBJ3I: 



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Printed ly Orion and Hawkes Smith, 



1812, 



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The 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 7th, and 10th, 
EPISTLES, 

Have appeared in the Gentleman's Magazine. 



ERRATA. 



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straights 


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straits* 


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Septimus 


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Septimius. 


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consul 


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curule. 


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Pontheus 


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Pentheus. 


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and 


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an. 


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Sopholes 


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Sophocles. 


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Praeter 


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Praetor. 


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Agustus 


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Augustus. 


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Phillipi 


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PhilippL 



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whom 


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lies. 


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buskins 


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rapid 


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rabid. 



YfiE 



EPISTLES OF HORACE. 



BOOK I. 



EPISTLE I. 



TO MAECENAS. 

With thee my Muse began, with thee will end, 
Maecenas, ever my protecting friend, 
Enough applauded, now dismiss' d and free, 
Presented with the wand of liberty, 
Why should'st thou wish me to include my name, 5 
In the old lists, as candidate for fame? 
Our inclinations vary with our age ; 
Yejanius now retiring from the stage, 
On Kercules's posts his arms suspends, 
A rural life enjoying with his friends ; 10 

Courting no longer to obtain the prize, 
From the low sand, the people's favouring cries. 
1 hear the whispers of a friend, who says, 
Forsake the follies of thy youthful days, 
The aged horse timely from the car unbind, 
Lest he should fall at last, and break his wind: 
! My rhimes and trifles now no more delight, 
I value only what is just and right, 



2 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. L 

And for myself compose such maxims sage, 

As may support me in declining age : 20 

if thou should'st ask me, who is now my guide, 

What God doth o'er my household now preside ? 

In no great Master's path 1 blindly go, 

But am a social guest where tempests blow; 

Now all a!ert, I feel impeli'd to brave 25* 

The whelming fury of the civick wave; 

Wow, as a centinel, I take my stand 

At Virtue's gate, and wait her just command ; 

To Aristippus now my ear is lent, 

Striving, whate'er befal, to be content. 30 

Slow moves the night to love-sick youths, who find 

The maids beloved, deceitful and unkind ; 

Slow moves the day to those who work for hire? 

Slow moves the year to youth whom precepts tire: 

Thus slow and tedious passes on the day, 35 

To me bewiider'd in blind error's way ; 

1 wish to break the charm, and to pursue 

Those things alone which are both just and true, 

Which comfort on the poor and rich bestow, 

But if neglected, bring distress and woe : 40 

*Tis wisdom, therefore, to adopt this plan, 

And strive to be a good, and happy man. 

What! if thou canst not see with Lynceus' eyes, 

Wilt thou all optic remedies despise? 

And if thou canst not be like Glycon stout, 45 

Wilt Ihou not strive to keep away the gout? 

Perfection seems beyond the lot of man* 

But let us get as near it as we can. 

Does avarice or lust thy breast inflame ? 

Tbsse passions foul, Philosophy will tame. 50 



Ej). I. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 3 

Does love of fame thy raptured bosom swell? 
Read thriee in wisdom's book, and thou'ltbe well; 
The slave to anger, s'oth, love, envy, wine, 
To savage vice however he incline, 
If patiently to wisdom he attend, 55 

She will his passions cool, his follies mend: 
To fly from vice is virtue; we begin 
To follow wisdom when we cease to sin ; 
The fear of poverty, the love of wealth, 
Oppress our spirits, and destroy our health* 60 

See how the eager merchant dares to brave 
The rocks, the fire, and Ocean's stormy wave ! 
Tho' rich already, still he covets more, 
And seeks for wealth on India's distant shore. 
But wisdom says, whoever would be blest, C5 

This thirst for gold must banish from his breast : 
What country wrestler for a village prize, 
Would at th' Olympic games the crown despise, 
If he were able, without toil or pain, 
This palm so sweet and glorious to obtain ? TO 

To gold yields silver, and to virtue gold, 
The prize of worth, but now both young and old, 
From street to street, with one consent declare, 
Seek money first, and then seek virtue fair. 
This man has courage, honour, manners, wit, 75- 

But wants the sum prescribed to make him fit 
To rank with nobles;— yet the boys will sing, 
In playful verse, " 'tis virtue makes a King, 
Be this thy brazen wall, a conscience clear, 
No secret guilt producing pallid fear." 8(V 

Now which is best, the Roscian law, I pray, 
Or the boys' ballad which they sing at play > 
B 3 



4 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. I 

Which the Camilli, and the Curii brave, 

Sang, and to virtuous men the kingdom gave? 

Who gives the best advice ? the man who says, 85 

44 Justly or not a fortune thou must raise, 

To gain at theatres a foremost seat;" 

Or he who says, " he only can be great 

Who can preserve a free and noble soul, 

Which haughty fortune never can controul ?" 90 

Now if the Roman people should inquire, 

Why, as 1 mix with them, I don't admire 

And hate with them ?-—the answer they may take, 

Which to the lion sick, the fox did make ; 

44 1 dread these footsteps leading to thy den, 95 

44 While none appear returning back again;" 

Thou many-headed monster! how can I 

Tell whom to follow, or from whom to fly ? 

Some farm the public revenue : some take 

Old women captive with rich pye and cake; 100 

Eusnare old men by some high season'd dish, 

And keep them in their stews, like netted fish; 

By usury some gain a great estate; 

But are these constant in their love or hate ? 

Can they an object for a day pursue, 105 

And what is done, not covet to undo ? 

The rich man says, no spot delights me more, 

Than Basse's pleasant and enchanting shore ; 

At once the workmen fly, and quickly make 

Fancied improvements in the sea and lake, 110 

The work half finished, if disgusts arise, 

44 Remove your tools to Teianum," he cries ; 

Perchance he has a fair and breeding wife, 

Then, how far happier is a single life! 



Ep> I. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 5 

If single, then with listlessness oppress'd, 115 

He calls the married man completely bless'd; 

What chain this fickle Proteus can hold, 

From the same month who blows both hot and cold? 

Look at the poor ; for they a smile excite ; 

To change beds, baths, and barbers they delight, 120 

.And sicken in their hired and paltry boats, 

Like the rich man who in his galley floats : 

A stupid barber cuts my hair awry ; 

A laugh goes round, 1 scarcely can tell why; 

My well made coat, betrays a tatter'd shirt, 125 

My ill match'd gown may shew some spots of dirt; 

Thou smilest ; — why ? for if my feeble mind 

Now seeks, now shuns, and changes like the wind, 

Builds up, pulls down, exchanges square for round, 

Thou think'st me then quite solemnly unsound, 130 

And dost not smile, nor carest to provide 

For me a doctor, or a Prcetor's guide, 

Tho' thou my best protector would'sl not fail 

To be disgusted at my ill cut nail : 

In short, the wise man yields to Jove alone ; 135 

Itich, honour'd, handsome, free, he mounts the throne 

As King of Kings — completely sane, save when 

Phlegm may molest him, like the rest of men. 



THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep> IL 



EPISTLE II. 

TO LOLLIUS. 

"Whilst thou obtain'st high reputation, 

Lollius, at Rome, by declamation, 

I at Praeneste re-peruse, 

Homer's sublime, instructive Muse, 

Which opens clearer to our view 5 

What we should shun, and what pursue, 

Than Grantor or Chrysippus sages, 

In all their philosophic pages; 

And if thou now canst spare attention, 

I will to thee my reasons mention; 10 

The fable which the war relates, 

For Paris' love between the states, 

Of Greece and Troy, whose ling'ring length 

Consumed the brave Achaians strength, 

Recites the woes which discord brings 1£ 

On nations, and their foolish kings: 

Antenor counseil'd well for Troy, 

" Let us the cause of war destroy ;" 

Paris to this would not consent, 

To gratify his lust more bent, 2d 

Than a fair kingdom to possess 

In safety, peace, and happiness. 

Nestor endeavours to assuage 

Pelides' and Atrides' rage ; 

One was inflamed with amorous fire, 25 

And both were hot with vengeful ire; 



jE]9. II. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. jf) 

The follies of the kings oppress 

The Creeks with consequent distress; 

In fraud, ambition, deeds unjust, 

Anger, and unrestrained lust, SO 

Without the City, and within, 

The leaders of the people sin. 

Again, what virtue can effect, 

When aided by wise intellect, 

Ulysses shews, who (Troy subdued) 35 

The cities and the manners view'd 

Of many men, and bravely bore 

Disasters on the sea and shore, 

While all his thoughts intently turn 

On his, and on his mens' return ; 40 

Kow sweetly did the Syrens sing ! 

What nectar'd cups did Circe bring! 

Had he, like others, pleased his sense, 

Sad would have been the consequence, 

He would have lived an unclean dog, 45 

Or roll'd in mire a filthy hog: 

We are mere cyphers, seldom think, 

Intent alone to eat and drink, 

Like drones from toil and labour free, 

Like suitors of Penelope ; 50 

And to Alcinous' sons akin, 

Employ'd in pampering the skin, 

Indulging sleep 'till midst of day, 

Expelling care by song and play. 

To kill a man by dark surprise, 55 

The thief at midnight will arise ; 

To save thyself, wilt thou not wake? 

And if in health thou wilt not take 



THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. If. 

Due exercises, thou wilt run, 

When watery swellings are begun ; 60 

So if thou wouid'st preserve thy heart, 

From love and envy's torturing smart, 

In books and business seek employment, 

And let them be each morn's enjoyment; 

A salve we speedily apply, 65 

To cure diseases of the eye; 

Why then should mental sores endure 

From year to year without a cure ? 

Dare to be wise — when once begun, 

The deed already is half done ; 70 

Begin then while thou hast the power, 

Nor foolishly delay the hour 

Of reformation ; like the man 

Who to the rapid river ran, 

And waited 'till the stream should go, 75 

Which always ilow'd, and still will flow. 

We covet gold, and think that life 

Is happy with a fruitful wife; 

We root up woods, the barren plain 

W T e plough, in hopes of future gain; 80 

The man who is content, is blest : 

But can a man who is distrest 

With pangs of body or of mind, 

In gold alone contentment find ? 

Body and mind must be in health, 85 

Before we can enjoy our wealth ; 

The man to hope or fear a slave, 

No settled happiness can have ; 

But is like him, whose eyes being weak, 

Delight in pictures, cannot take; 90 



Ep. II. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 9 

Like him who with the gout distrest, 

From fomentations gains no rest ; 

Like a deaf man who can't admire 

The melting music of the !yre: 

Whatever liquor we may pour 95 

In casks impure, will soon turn sour. 

From Pleasure's paths thy feet restrain, 

For her delights are bought with pain ; 

A craving man will never find 

Enough to satisfy his mind. 100 

Thy objects prudently define, 

And never pass the boundary line : 

An envious man can have no rest, 

If he perceive another blest; 

Sicilian tyrants ever found, 105 

Envy inflict the deepest wound ; 

The man who cannot moderate 

His passions, will repent too late 

Those acts, in which revenge and rage, 

Prompted him rashly to engage. 110 

Rage is short madness; then restrain 

Thy passions with a curb and rein ; 

For if not conquer'd, they will have 

Dominion, and make thee a slave : 

The groom, the high-bred horse will render 11 j 

Docile, while yet his neck be tender ; 

When in the hall, the lev'ret's skin 

The puppy bays, we break him in 

To hunt the woods. — In early youth 

Begin then to attend to truth ; 1-20 

Seek the best masters, for the mind, 

By wisdom's precepts well refined, 



I ) 



K) THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. II. 

Will long retain its early bent, 

As casks preserve their first giv'n scent; 

But if thou stop behind, or run 125 

Rashly before me, 1 have done ; 

For him who lags, I will not stay, 

ISor follow him who runs away. 



By. HI. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. ll 



EPISTLE III. 

TO JULIUS FLGRUS. 

Florus, pray tell me on what coast, 
Claudius employs his martial host ; 
Is he iu Thrace ? or marching round 
Hebrus, with snowy fetters bound ? 
Or near the straights where Neptune pours 5 

His floods, between the neighbouring towers? 
Or Asia's hills and valleys g»y, 
Do they Tiberius delay ? 
Uow does the studious cohort fare? 
Are works of genius still their care ? 10 

Who now attempts to future fame, 
To consecrate Augustus' name, 
His glorious wars, his happy peaces, 
By which prosperity increases? 
What now isTitius' occupation ? 15 

-Who raises high our expectation; 
He boldly drinks at Pindar's spring, 
And surely must sublimely sing; 
His daring Muse no notiee takes 
Of open streams, and stagnant lakes; 20 

Is he in health, and how doth he 
Retain a friendship warm for me ? 
Doth the Muse aid him to rehearse 
On Latian lyres, the Theban verse? 
Or does the deeply tragic art, 25 

Jits raptures to his soul impart ? 



12 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. III. 

Is Celsus ready to attend 

To the wise counsels of a friend, 

And live on his own mental wealth, 

Increasing not his stores by stealth ? 33 

May he with spirit high refuse 

To borrow from the public muse I 

Lest deck'd with feathers not his own, 

He gain the laugh, the theft being known. 

What dost thou now attempt in rhyme, 35 

Fiutterest thou still round scented thyme? 

Thou bast a genius and a mind, 

By education well refined ; 

Acute thou pleadest, and canst draw 

Conclusions just, from civic law, 40 

And when thou writest lovely songs, 

To thee the ivy wreath belongs; 

But if thou could'st thy soul prepare 

To rise above cold damping care, 

Celestial wisdom would dispense 45 

To thee, her guardian influence ; 

And lead thee onwards to possess 

The most substantial happiness; 

Which to obtain, both high and low, 

Care unremitting should bestow, 5*0 

If to themselves they would be just, 

Or worthy of their country's trust. 

Write me, if thy attentions tend 

To make Munaiius thy friend ; 

Or loosely stiteh'd are your feign'd graces, 55 

Which soon the opening seam defaces? 

But whether it be warmth of blood, 

Or men and things not understood, 



Ep, III. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 13 

Which mutual jealousies provoke 

In you, impatient of the yoke; 60 

'Tis pity whereso'ere you be, 

To break fraternal amity ; 

And I a votive calf have fed, 

•Which to the altar shall be led, 

To hail the happy day, when we 65 

At home shall have your company* 



u 



THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 



Ep. IV. 



EPISTLE IV. 



// 



ia 



TO ALBIUS TJBULLUS. 

Albius, thou candid judge of what I write; 
What art thou doing now ? dost thou indite, 
Retired at Pedum, works which will engage 
Public attention more than Cassius's page ? 
Or dost thou rather take delight to rove 
Enwrapl in thought, amidst the healthful grove, 
.Anxious to form a well digested plan, 
To constitute a wise and virtuous man ? 
Thy body is not made without a heart, 
The Gods to thee a noble form impart ; 
They give thee riches, and a liberal mind, 
Which can enjoy them with a taste refined : 
If for her child a nurse invoke the skies, 
Could she ask more, than that he might be wise, 
And might disclose, superior to controul, 
The undisguised sensations of the soul; 
That he might live in favour, fame, and health, 
And decently enjoy sufficient wealth; 
Midst hope and care, disquietude and fear; 
Think every day that death approaches near, 
Each added hour will then be like a treasure, 
Which unexpected found, gives greater pleasure. 
At any time is merriment preferred ? 
Come laugh at one of Epicurus' herd ; 
Who fat and sleek, and very much at ease, 
Himself and ethers takes delight lo please. 



15 



20 



I 



Ep.Y. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. ]> 



EPISTLE V. 

TO TORQ.UATUS. 

If thou Torquatus! cari'st recline at ease 

On beds Archaian; and if herbs can please, 

Served up for supper, on a small sized plate, 

I will, at sun-set, for thy coming wait ; 

For thee my wine of Taurus date shall flow, i> 

Press'd from rich grapes which near Minturnas grow r 

And rocky Sinope ; if better juice 

Be in thy cellars, send it for our use ; 

My fire already shines — my rooms are graced 

With furniture all clean, in order placed ; 19 

Dismiss light hope , let wealth's contentions cease, 

Let Moschus' suit for one da) rest in peace ; 

To-morrow is Augustus' natal day, 

Which grants indulgence to repose and play, 

When we may claim a licence to extend 15* 

The summer eve in converse with a friend : 

What happiness can fortune's gifts produce, 

If we must be restricted in their use ? 

The man who pinches that his heir may gain, 

Is too severe, indeed, is half insane; 20 

For fear of censure, why should 1 decline 

To scatter flowers, and drink delicious wine? 

What cannot wine e fleet ? it brings to light 

Obscurities, and makes our prospects bright; 

The timid man, encourages to dare, 2& 

And from the anxious takes a load of care? 



16 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Fp.Y. 

Teaches thf arts ; — do not all men admit 

That temperate bowls aid eloquence and wit? 

And to the wretch with poverty oppress'd, 

Give relaxation and a transient rest ? 30 

These things I freely order and adjust, 

No dirty couches shall my guests disgust ; 

My napkins shall be ciean, and smooth and white, 

My cups and dishes all like mirrors bright ; 

No tatler shall be present to controul 35 

Our free and social intercourse of soul; 

Like shall meet like: — Septimus will be here 

With Brutus, and (except some better cheer, 

And favourite maid detain) Sabinus; room 

Is left for all the shadows which may come; 40 

But when too many guests together meet, 

The air confined becomes less pure and sweet j 

Then write me word, if many, or if few 

Would suit thee best, and bid to cares adieu ; 

And while thy clients in the court-yard wait, 45. 

Escape their notice at the postern gate. 



'J 

) 



Ep.YL THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 17 



EPISTLE VI. 

TO NU MIC I VS. 

Nought to admire is quite thy wisest plan, 
Wouid'st thou be made, and kept a happy man ; 
This sun, these stars, and seasons of the year 
As they revolve, some view devoid of fear; 
What thmkest thou of earth's prolific stores I 5 

What of the sea enriching India's shores 
And far Arabia's? What of public shows, 
Praises, and gifts which liberal Home bestows! 
How should we view them? how should they aifect 
Our countenance, and how our intellect? 10 

The man who dreads their loss, these things admires, 
Like him who views them with inflamed desires; 
Fear troubles each — each feels an agitation, 
If things occur which baffle expectation: 
What is the difference then of grief and joy, 15 

Desire and fear, if each our peace destroy, 
And if from unforeseen events, we find 
A torpor seize both body, eyes, and mind ? 
Virtue knows no extremes, the just and wise 
Observe with caution, where the medium lies, 20 

For those who pass it, and transgress her rules, 
Will be esteem'd enthusiasts or fools. 
Go now, and let thy ravish'd eyes behold 
Marbles antique, the arts, and brass and gold ; 
Admire rich gems, and glowing Tynan dyes, 25 

Rejoice to see a thousand raptured eyes 
c 



f 



18 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. VI. 

Fix'd on thee speaking; — rise with early light, 

Attend the forum, late return at night; 

Be diligent, lest Mutius' dowried field 

Should than thy own a richer harvest yield ; 30 

For can a man of noble birth endure 

To be excell'd by one of birth obscure? 

Whate'er the earth conceals, time brings to light, 

And hides and buries what is fair and bright ; 

Agrippa's portico, the Appian way, 35 

May now behold thy well-known proud display ; 

Yet thou with Numa and with Ancus, must 

Sink to the grave, and moulder into dust. 

Art thou afflicted in thy side or reins? 

Apply a remedy to ease thy pains : 40 

Would'st thou be blest ? and who would not be so ? 

If virtue only can this bliss bestow, 

Forsake all pleasures which enslave the soul, 

And yield thjseif to her most wise controul; 

Think'st thou that virtue is composed of words, 45 

As some men think a grove composed of boards? 

If so, let none preoccupy the port, 

To which the merchants with their wares resort; 

Increase thy fortune ; — when thou hast in store 

A thousand talents, gain a thousand more; 

Then add a third, and use thy utmost care, 

To make th' uneven three, a perfect square, 

For money, like a Sovereign, can dispense 

A portion' d wife, friends, birth and consequence; 

And love and soft persuasion always wait 

On the possessor of a large estate; 

Like Cappadocia's king, would'st thou abound 

In slaves, and short of ready cash be found? 



p 



Ep. VI. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 19 

Lucullus once was ask'd, as people say, 

To lend a hundred garments for the play; 60 

Can you, he said, expect me to produce 

So great a number for your present use ? 

But I will search my stores, and let you know : 

This done, he wrote them that he could bestow 

Five thousand cloaks, and that with cheerful heart 65 

He gave them leave to take the whole, or part. 

A house looks mean, save many things be left 

Unnoticed by its Lord, exposed to theft ; 

If wealth alone then makes and keeps us blest, 

Pursue it early, late retire to rest; 70 

If he be fortunate who gains applause, 

And by his splendid train attention draws, 

Let us a servant well informed provide, 

To follow us, and jog us on the side ; 

Lest when a man of consequence we meet, 75 

He should pass by unnoticed in the street: 

This man has interest in the Fabian tribe, 

In the Velinian, that — a Mattering bribe 

Procures the powerful interest of the great, 

And gains the fasces, or the consul seat; SO 

[Make use of epithets, if need require, 

Call this thy brother, that, thy honoured sire, 

With nice distinction noticing* the a^e 

o is 

Of those, whose grace thou wishest to engage, 

If he who sups well, lives well, see 'tis light, 85 

Rise, hunt and fish, to serve thy appetite; 

As did Gargilius, who at early morn, 

Caused nets and spears by servants to be borne, 

Thro' the full forum, that he might obtain 

The mob's applause, when he return'd again, 90 



20 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. VI* 

Tho' to excite surprise, his mule oft brought 

A boar terrific, by his money bought. 

When swoin with food and wine, let baths excite 

(Decent or not) the sated appetite 

Of those whose manners dissolute and lax, 95 

Should be recorded on Cceritean wax, 

And who, preferring, like Ulysses' crew, 

Pleasure to country, joys of sense pursue. 

If as Mimnernus thinks that love and mirth 

Promote the greatest happiness on earth, 100 

Let virtuous love and mirth, as suits thy age, 

A proper portion of thy time engage. 

Live long, farewell ! — if maxims still more just 

Thou know'st, impart them freely to my trust *. 

If not — with candid deference agree, 105 

These maxims to adopt and use with me. 



Note.— The reasonings in this Epistle, bear some resemblance i 
to those of Solomon, in the Book of Ecclesiastes, but very mucl j 
want the wise conclusion which he draws. 



Ep. VII. THE EPISTLES OF HORlCEi 21 



EPISTLE .VII. 

TO MMCENAS. 

IMaecenas, I know that I promised to be, 

In the course of five days, in the City with thee, 

But the charms of the country inviting my stay, 

I have linger'd, unpunctual, all August away, 

And if thou would'st have me be happy and blest, 5 

With a body in health, and a mind quite at rest, 

I Thou wilt take an excuse, and consider my dread 
Of sickness, as tho' I were ill in my bed; 
For now the first figs, and hot weather conspire, 
To clothe undertakers in gloomy attire; 10 

Now fathers and mothers are pale for their boys, 

I And the forum's engagements, its bustle and noise, 
And officious attention, together combine 
To bring fevers, which cause us our wills to resign: 
But when Winter shall whiten the country with snow, 15 

I To the ocean's warm shore I will venture to go, 
There careful of health, I will read at my leisure, 
Such books as will yield me both profit aud pleasure; 
And with the first Swallow and Zephyrs intend, 
if he will receive me, to visit my friend. 20 

Thou hast given me much, but thy bounty appears 
Unlike the Calabrian hosts, with his pears,- 

I Pray eat some, he cried ; 14 I've enough ;" " pray take 
more;" 
M It is kind," " for thy bays keep the others in store." 






2% THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. VII. 

" I thank thee as tho' I went loaded away ;' ' 25 

" Well, my hogs will at least fare the better to -day f ' 

The fool and the prodigal, what they despise, 

Will freely bestow; hence disgusts will arise ; 

While the good and the wise, tho' they very well know 

The worth of the favours they freely bestow, SO 

Dispense them with judgment, and they are repaid 

Ey the thanks of the good, whom they happy have made ; 

Thy favours to me have been many, but still 

I wish to retain my own freedom of will, 

And if thou wouid'st have me to ramble no more, 35 

My firm health, my black hair o'er my forehead restore. 

And restore me the sprightly and elegant ease 

Of talking and laughing, which always could please, 

And the feelings which moved me when drinking my 

wine. 
At the jiltings of Cynarafair to repine. 40 

A thin country mouse had crept into a chest 
Of grain, thro' a cranny, and thought himself blest, 
But his beliy being full, he attempted again 
To creep out, but he found the attempt to be vain; 
"When a weazle at distance, said «' wouldst thou escape, 45 
Be as lean as when first thou gott'si into this scrape;" 
If I be address'd by this fable, I yield 
All thy bountiful gifts — when my stomach was fill'd 
With wild fowl and fish, did'stthou hear me repine 
That the sleep of the vulgar was sounder than mine ? *0 
And did I not freedom and quietude hold 
As enjoyments more precious than silver and gold ? 
My modesty oft. was commended by thee, 
As a father and king thou art honoured by me, 



Ep. VII. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 22 

Both present and absent. — Now try me I pray, 55 

If 1 cannot restore all thy gifts, and be gay. 

The son of Ulysses reply'd with some wit, 

That Ithaca's isle was for horses unfit, 

Abounding in rocks, and of pasturage bare, 

" Thy horses, Atrides ! fare best where they are ;" 60 

Small things suit the small: — Rome now ceases to please, 

But Tarentum and Tiber afford placid ease ; 

A man called Philip, both active and strong, 

A pleader, one evening was sauntering along, 

Complaining of age, and the length of the way, 65 

Which his business obliged him to walk every day ; 

At the shop of a barber, he chanced to look in, 

Where was seated a man with a smooth shaven skin, 

Who was paring his nails quite at ease with a knife, 

As tho' he knew none of the troubles of life ; 70 

Demetrius, he call'd, for this man was his slave, 

Attentive to every direction he gave ; 

Go yonder, said Philip, minutely inquire 

The name of that man, and the uame of his sire; 

Where he lives? whathisfortune? on whom he depends ? 

The name of his patron, and names of his friends ? 

Demetrius obeys, then returns to relate, 

'Tis Vulteius Mssna, of moderate estate, 

A professed auctioneer, of a character fair, 

Sometimes very busy in selling his ware, 80 

Then slothful and easy, in company gay, 

And delighting in sports at the close of the day ; 

" Invite him to supper, I have a desire 

iMore minutely from him, of these things to inquirer' 

?vla?na could not believe it — in silent surprise 85 

He sat ;— why enlarge ? " very kind," h: replies— 



24 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. VII. 

Philip wonders at this, — t: what ! does he deny ?" 

" The fellow denies, or is fearful or shy." 

In the morning as Philip was taking a walk, 

Vulteius he saw, full of business and talk ; 90 

He saluted him first, — when Vulteius made 

Excuses, and pleaded engagements in trade, 

Why he had not accepted his kind invitation, 

.And why he omitted the first salutation ; 

" All this I will pardon, if thou wilt with me 95 

Sup to-day." — " I'm obliged, and to this I agree;" 

" Then be punctual at nine ; in the mean time attend 

To business, and labour thy fortune to mend." 

At supper, things proper, improper, were said, 

And Vulteius at length was dismiss'd to his bed;" 100 

This kind entertainmeut enchanted him quite, 

Be repeated his visits both morning and night, 

Like a fish which at liberty swims in the brook, 

And incautiously swallows the bait and the hook ; 

Now Philip invites him his calls to repeat, 103 

And at the next holiday come to his seat. 

To the country, on horseback, he hastes to repair; 

He praises the fields and the pure Sabine air ; 

Philip smiles, and tho' kindness is made the pretence, 

He amuses himself at Vulteius' expence. 110 

Seven thousand of sesterces first he presents, 

And as much more to land him, he kindly consents, 

And persuades him to purchase a farm ; — it is bought ; 

But to a conclusion my tale should be brought. 

The citizen now is a farmer, and praises 11.5 

His vineyards and elms, and the crops which he raises ; 

Alibis thoughts are engross' d by his schemes, and at 

length 
His pursuit after riches, exhausts all his strength: 






Ep. VII. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 2ft 

Now his goals and his sheep to disease fall a prey, 
Many die, many others are stolen away ; 120 

Crops fail, and his ox drops fatigued at the plough, 
And other things waste, and he scarcely knows how; 
In the midst of the night, quite oppress'd with his woes, 
On his poney he mounts, and to Philip he goes : 
When Philip beheld him unshaven, forlorn ; 125 

Vulteius, said he, thou appear'st to be worn 
By labour and care. — If the truth be express'd ? 
My patron (said he) lam deeply distress'd, 
And I pray thee, most earnestly, pity my fate, 
And restore me again to my former estate. ISO 

When a man once perceives he has changed to his cost, 
And grieves on reinemb'ring the things he has lost, 
Let him quickly retreat, and regain his lost treasure 
Aiid in future be ruled by his own foot and measure, 



f 



26 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. VIIL 



EPISTLE VIIL 

TO CELSUS JLBINOFJNUS. 

Assist me, Muse, my greetings warm to send 
To Celsus, scribe of Nero, and his friend. 
If he should ask thee how rriy time I spend, 
Say, tho' to many great things I pretend, 
1 live not well or sweetly — not that hail 
Has stripp'd my vines, and made my vintage fail ; 
Not that no fruit my scorched olives yield, 
Or my herds sicken in a, distant field ; 
But that more strong in body than in mind, 
No aid from counsel, or reproof I find; 
Doctors and friends, who would my ills remove, 
Gain my displeasure, rather than my love. 
Things hurtful I pursue, and fly from those 
Which I believe would give my soul repose ; 
At Rome 1 long for Tiber, and when there 
Inconstant I prefer Rome's smoky air ; 
This finish'd, ask him kindly of his health, 
How he conducts himself, and how his wealth, 
How he the young Prince pleases, and the band 
Of the brave warriors under his command; 
If he replies; all's well — approaching near, 
Salute him first, then whisper in his ear, 
As thou shalt bear thy fortune, so will we 
Celsus, on all occasions bear with thee. 






Ep. IX. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. ST 



EPISTLE IX. 

TO CLAUDIUS TIBERIUS NERO* 

Septimius alone, Tiberius! knows 

How much tow'rds me thy friendly favour flows; 

For when he asks, nay forces me with prayer, 

That I would introduce him, and declare 

That he was worthy to obtain a place 5 

In Nero's house, and his discerning grace ; 

He seems to think I never can oifend 

By such a liberty, a generous friend, 

And sees and knows my influence to be 

Far greater than I dare presume with thee ; 10 

1 urged objections, and excuses made, 

That thus I might his earnest suit evade, 

'Till I was fearful that he might suspect 

My minor reasons were the mere effect 

Of narrowness of soul, and mean self love, 15 

Which but for private gain, would never move; 

Thus of two faults inclining to the less, 

With city confidence, my suit I press. 

And if thou think'st that modesty suspended, 

To serve a friend, deserves to be commended, 20- 

Then let Septimius thy protection have, 

And take my. word, he is both good and brave, 



28 



THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 



Ep. X. 



EPISTLE X, 



TO ARISTIUS FUSCUS* 



\ 



1 



We who a country life enjoy, 
Whom rural pleasures never cloy, 
•Wish health and peace may always crown 
Our Fuscus, who prefers the town; 
For tho' in this we disagree, 5 

We feel like twins a sympathy 
In other things ; — what one refuses, 
The other does, and so he chooses; 
Of the old dove thou keep'st the nest, 
While I (and think myself more blest) 10 

Extol the scenes which nature yields, 
Rivers which fiow thro' verdant fields, 
The moss clad rocks, the shady groves, 
Which tranquil meditation loves; 
Thou askest why ? I live and reign, 1J» 

Contented in ray sweet domain, 
.And all those trifling things despise, , 

Exalted by you to the skies; 
Like him who flies from priests, and takes 
No pleasure in their sweet'ned cakes, 20 

I long for plain and homely bread, 
More than for biscuits, honey spread ; 
If we would live by nature's law, 
And thence our wise conclusions draw, 
And for a house would chuse a spot, 2f? 

Which most advantages has £ot; 



THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 29 

Can we suppose that any yields 

Such pleasures, as the happy fields? 

Where are the winters less severe? 

Where doth the soft balsamic air, SO 

And fanning zephyrs, more assuage 

The dog-star and the lion's rage, 

When they their course diurnal run 

In concert with the scorching sun ? 

Where can we sleep more free from care ? 35 

Are herbs less sweet, or flowers less fair 

Than Libyan pebbles ? from the spring 

Do leaden pipes to cities bring 

The streams more pure, than those which creep 

Murmuring o'er stones down channels steep ? 40 

Midst columns tall, the trees we plant, 

For rural scenery we want, 

And praise the house which can command 

A prospect over distant land ; 

Thus nature still exerts her sway, 45 

And teaches rebels to obey. 

The man unabie to descry 

Th' Aquinian from the Tynan dye, 

Will not his loss more surely rue, 

Than he who knows not false from true ; 50 

The man whose ardent spirits rise, 

When fortune every wish supplies, 

If scenes should change would be distress' d ; 

So if thy soul should be possest 

W r ith undue cravings, thou wilt part §&. 

Sad, from the treasure of thine heart,. 

Then shun great things, for in a cot 

Contentment makes a happy lot> 



SO THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. X. 

And more true joy and comfort brings, 
Than ever is possess'd by kings. 60 

The stag most skilful in the light, 
Deprived the horse of common right 
Of pasture, so the horse thought fit 
I To fly to man, and take the bit; 

By aid of man he gain'd the field, 65 

But forced his liberty to yield, 

He could not afterward obtain 

Deliv'rance from the curb and rein ; 

Thus he who dreads a poor man's Sot, 

His frugal meals and humble cot, 10 

(Unlike a freeman brave and bold) 

Barters his liberty for gold ; 

His lord he carries on his back, 

Who makes of him a wretched hack ; 

His soul too groveling to be free, 75 

He lives and dies in slavery; 

Like shoe ill made, is any station 

Which does not suit our inclination ; 

For if too loose, the wearer falls, 

And if too tight, his foot it galls. 8o 

Then my Aristius be content 

With the fair lot which heaven has lent, 

And if thou think'st my anxious mind, 

To heap up riches is inclined, 

Rebuke my failings like a friend, SB 

Whose kind reproofs can ne'er offend ; 

Money must either be our slave, 

Or over us dominion have ; 

Let us then hold the twisted chain, 

And make gold follow in our train ; 90 



Ep. X. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 31 

But let it not drag us along 

Promiscuous, with the vulgar throng ; 

Behind Vacunas' mouldering fane, 

I thus indulge in cheerful strain, 

In all respects I'm full of glee, 95 

Save that I want thy company. 



I 



32 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. XI. 



EPISTLE XI. 

TO BVLLATIUS. 

Bullatius! how did Chios strike thy eyes ? 

Didst thou view noted Leshos with surprise? 

Or Samos elegant? did Sardis please 

Where Crossus reign'd, a slave to wealth and ease? 

Did Colophon and Smyrna raise sensations 5 

Greater or less than form'd by expectations ? 

Would they not ail contemptible appear, 

Were Campus Martius or the Tiber near ? 

Did one of Attalus's towns excite 

A secret wish connected with delight? 10 

Or tired with boist'rous seas and rugged ways, 

Did quiet Lebedus extort thy praise? 

Thou knowest Lebedus, which seems to be 

Than Gabii more desert, and Fidense, 

Yet there to live, I wish it were my lot, 15; 

My friends forgetting, by my friends forgot ; 

The boisterous waves beholding as thev roar, 

Dashing the rocks, or foaming on the shore; 

The traveller finds comfort in an inn, 

When rain and mire have wet him to the skin ; 20 

But would not wish to live there all his days ; 

And he who takes a cold, will never praise 

The stoves and baths which yield refreshing heat, 

As luxuries which make our bliss complete; 

Nor would a man who has by storms been tost, 25 

Part with his vessel on a distant coast; 



Ep. XI. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 33- 

The same effect, if we be sound in mind, 

From Mitylene fair, and Rhodes we find, 

As from a thick coat, when the solstice glows, 

As from a linen frock in chilling snows, 30 

As from the Tiber, when the cold is great, 

As from a fire, when scorching is the heat; 

While fortune smiles, at Rome enjoy thine ease. 

Let Chios, Rhodes, and Samos absent, please, 

And gratefully each prosp'rous hour employ 35 

Which God bestows ; trust not to future joy, 

That in whatever place thy days be spent, 

Thou may'st be always happy and content: 

'Tis not a place whose prospects wide extend 

O'er land and sea, which can our troubles end ; 40 

But reason and discretion may controul, 

The cares which vex and agitate the soul ; 

The climate, not the mind, the restless change, 

Who pass the sea, in distant lands to range; 

By strenuous listlessness we are oppress'd, 45 

Striving in ships and chariots to be blest ; 

While what thou seek'st is here, or may be found 

At Ulubrae, if first, thy mind be toand. 



£4 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep> XII* 



EPISTLE XII. 

TO ICCIUS. 

If thou, my Iccius, rightly could'st. enjoy 

Agrippa's fruits Sicilian, thy employ 

Would be delightful ; for thou hast a store 

So plentiful, that Jove could not give more; 

Then murmur not, for he is not distress'd, 

Who, with the use of needful things, is blest. 

If thou hast food in plenty, clothes and health, 

What more could'st thou acquire by regal wealth? 

If now surrounded by each costly dish, 

Thou art content with sallad and shell fish ; 10 

Thou would'st adopt the same abstemious plan, 

Tho' thro' thv fields a golden river ran ; 

Either because thy nature uncontroul'd, 

Rises superior to the charms of gold ; 

Or, that thy judgment leads thee to obey 15 

Virtue's most pure and uncorrupted sway. 

Democritus ! we cease to be amazed, 

That neighbouring cattle on thy pastures grazed 

Unnoticed, while thy great and absent mind 

Had taken flight, thy body left behind : 20 

When Iccius, amidst contagious gain, 

Can, from infection free, his mind retain; 

And can on things sublime, his thoughts engage, 

Kising above theav'rice of the age; 

What cause contains the sea within its bound ? 25 

What rules the year ? how planets wander round? 



£p. XII. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE- 35 

Whether by instinct, or by laws divine? 

Why doth the full orb'd moon now brightly shine; 

Now hide itself? what will, what power can be 

Hid in the world's discordant harmony ? 30 

Whether Stertinius or Empedocles, 

Both reasoners acute, ought most to please? 

But whether fish or onions thou shall kill, 

Pompeius Grosphus merits thy good will. 

Should he request thy aid, most freely lend 35 

Thy kind assistance to so just a friend. 

Cheap are the fruits of friendship, when the good 

Accept relief, their wants being understood: 

Art thou inclined to know the public cares, 

And how at present stand our great affairs ? 40 

Calabria to Agrippa's valour yields, 

And Nero triumphs in Armenia's fields. 

Phraates on his knees, from Ccesar's hand, 

Receives the law and sceptre of command ; 

And goiden plenty from her full urn, pouxs 45 

Uer fruits o'er Italy, in plenteous showers. 



&$ 



3© THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Up. XIII. 



EPISTLE XIII. 

TO VJNIUS ASELLA. 

Vinius, I gave thee full instructions 

At setting out, indeed injunctions, 

That thou to Caesar should'st commit 

My volumes seaPd, in moments fit, 

When health and cheerfulness of spirit, 5 

And inclination favour'd merit; 

For I was fearful, Jest thy zeal 

Should over prudence so prevail, 

As hy improper introduction, 

To spoil my Muse's fond production. 10 

If thou should'st feel thy shoulders ache 

Under thy burden, — prithee take 

The volumes gently from thy back; 

Lest if thou throw them down, they crack ; 

And thou the standers-by provoke 15 

To turn thy surname to a joke. 

Ascend the hills, the rivers cross, 

And fens o'ergrown with peat and moss ; 

And when arrived at Rome, take care 

Thy load with decency to bear \ 20 

Let not my books be borne along 

Under thy arm, as rustics strong 

Carry a lamb— or ii the play, 

As Pyrrhia bears stol'n wool away ; 

Or as a tribe guest, when he goes 25 

To supper, bears his cap aad shoes ; 






JZp. XIII. THE EPISTLB3 OF HORACE. 31 

Tell not the people thou may'st meet, 

In passing on from street to street, 

That verses written to detain 

Augustus' eyes and ears, have Iain 39 

Upon thy back with such a weight, 

That thou art quite dissolved with heat; 

Now do thy best; — farewell; — proceed ; 

But to thy steps take special heed, 

Lest thou should'st stumble in the way, 35 

And my directions disobey. 



3$ THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. • Ejt. XIV. 



EPISTLE XIV. 

TO MY STEWARD. 

Steward of my woods and self-restoring farm, 

(Despised by thee) which formerly was warm 

With five bright fires — a place of some renown, 

Which sent five Senators to Varias' town; 

Let us contend, who is the most inclined, 5 

I to pluck up the thorns which choak the mind, 

Or thou the thorns which my estate molest; 

And whether Horace or his farm thrive best. 

Lamia has lost his brother, and my grief 

For him who mourns, despairing of relief, 10 

Detains me here, tho' there my heart and soul 

Bear me impatient of undue controul. 

I call the country, thou the town-man blest ; 

He hates his own, who others' lots likes best : 

The place is blamed unjustly, for we find 15 

That change of place, can never change the mind ; 

At Rome by others hurried here and there, 

Thou for the country didst prefer thy prayer; 

My steward now, thy fickle heart resorts 

Again to Rome, its bagnios, and its sports ; 20 

While I, consistent with myself pursue 

One steady plan, and this thou know'st is true; 

And when by hateful business forced to move 

To Rome, 1 leave with grief the farm I love: 

Our inclinations differ — hence we see 

That I and thou must ever disagree; 






Ep. XIV. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 3$ 

For what thou call'st a wild deserted waste, 
Exactly suits my own and others taste. 
Who hate what thou applaudest; — filthy stews 
And greasy taverns, suit thy low life views 30 

Of city happiness. — A rural scene, 
Where spices grow, not grapes, thou thinkest mean ; 
No tavern near which can its wine supply ; 
No dancing songstress to allure the eye 
And charm the ear ; yet, if thy tale be true, 35 

Thou dost not fail thy business to pursue ; 
To plough my fallows overrun with weeds, 
And strip the leaves on which my bullock feeds ; 
To watch the river when the showers descend, 
And currents rippling thro' the fields to tend. 40 

Come now ; I'll tell thee why we disagree; 
Fine clothes and hair perfumed delighted me. 
-JRapacious Cjnara I once could please 
Without a fee, with pleasantry and ease ; 
In rich Falernian wine I took delight, 45 

And often sat 'till very late at night; 
Now I eat little and but little drink, 
I sleep delighted near the river's brink, 
On the soft grass. — I can't recall the past, 1 
But I should blush, did youthful follies last. 50 

Safe in the country, there no envious spy 
Views my possessions with a jaundiced eye ; 
No biting slander and no secret hate, 
Approach the confines of my small estate; 
The clods and stones I carry from my ground, 55 

My neighbours see me, and the smile goes round. 
To sit with slaves is thy delight and pride, 
At a large city table weil supplied ; 



40 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ej), XIV. 

With them thou wishest thy abode to fix, 

And in their meals and merriment to mix ; 60 

While my more active foot-boy longs to change 

Places with thee, and o'er my fields to range ; 

The flocks, the garden, and the wood heap'd fire, 

Despised by thee, excite his fond desire; 

The lazy ox, the horse's trappings saw 65 

With longing eye — the horse the plough would draw; 

But as in different stations they excel, 

Each cheerfully should act his own part well. 



Ep. XV. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE* 41 

EPISTLE XV. 

TO C. NUMONIUS VALA. 

At Veliae, what winter? and what air, 

My Vala, at Saleraum? and how fare 

The natives? what their manners? for with me, 

Musa says Baise's baths will not agree; 

They are too warm, so now my limbs I lave, 5 

Tho' cold the weather, in the gelid wave ; 

At this the village murmurs, for she sees 

Her springs sulphureous, and her myrtle trees 

(Once the resort of those whose nerves were shaken) 

Now by such invalids almost forsaken : 10 

Who thence to Clusium and to Gabii go, 

And bathe in fountains cold, and brave the snow. 

I too the place must change — my steady steed 

Beyond his common stage must now proceed. 

" Where art thou posting? this is not the road, 15 

Cnmae or Baiae are not my abode." 

Thus, discomposed, and short'uing the left rein, 

I spoke; — but horses mouths their ears contain; 

And now inform me, for I wish to know 

The spot where corn most plentiful doth grow ? 20 

Where they drink stagnant water? where they bring 

For constant use, pure water from the spring ? 

About this country's wine I little think, 

For at my farm I any kind can drink ; 

But when the sea 1 visit, then I find 25 

'Rich mellow wine relieves my anxious mind; 

For thro' my veins, enrich'd with hope, it flows, 

Opens my heart, and choice of words bestows ; 



• 



42 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep* XV* 

Inform me also where hares most abound ? 

Where are the boars in greatest plenty found ? SO 

Which sea affords the most and choicest fish ? 

That thus regaling on each dainty dish, 

Like a Phaeacian, I at last may come 

In good condition to my friends at Rome. 

When Mamius to his vice had fallen a prey, 3 

And squander'd all his great estate away, 

Then he affected to behave with grace, 

Tho' hft possess'd no certain dwelling place; 

A fellow droll, who dinnerless would know 

No difference between a friend and foe, 40 

Severe in censure, of rapacious maw, 

Which to its gulf would all the market draw ; 

But when on those who smiled at his success, 

Or dreaded it, he could no longer press; 

He would devour whole dishes of coarse meat, 45 

Such as three ravenous boars could scarcely eat; 

That well reformer Bestius we might quote, 

*' Brand with hot iron every glutton's throat." 

But this same man, when he had seized a prey 

More dainty, soon consumed it all away 50 

In smoke and ashes ; — then he would exclaim, 

Is the luxurious mortal much to blame ? 

For what enjoyment can exceed a feast, 

With thrushes plump and hog's fat haselet graced ? 

Do I resemble him ? for I can praise 55 

My homely fare, when money I can't raise, 

Bravely content with poverty ; but when 

The scene is changed, and plenty smiles again, 

1 cry, those men are wise, and live the best 

In splendid villas who their cash invest. 60 






Ep. XVI. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 43 



EPISTLE XVI. 

TO QUI NT I US* 

Ask not, dear Quintius, if my fields afford 

Sufficient crops of corn to feed their Lord ? 

If olives make him rich ? if pastures fine ? 

Or the rich produce of the fertile vine ? 

To save thee all this trouble, I had better 5 

Describe my farm and landscape in a letter. 

A range of lofty hills the clouds assail, 

Save where divided by a shady vale ; 

The rising sttn the right hand side surveys, 

The left is warmed by its setting rays ; 10 

Mild is the air — the quicksets wild produce 

Black sloes and cornels for domestic use; 

My oaks and holm trees, store of acorns yield, 

To feed my herds, and shade me in the field. 

Thou well might'st say, Tarentum in the bloom IB 

Of vernal beauty, now approach'd to Rome ; 

A fountaiu here emits a chrystal stream, 

Copious enough to gain a river's name. 

Even the Hebrus which encircles Thrace, 

With a meand'ring and a wide embrace, 20 

Flows not more cold and clear — its waters pure, 

The head and stomach's maladies will cure ; 

This quiet, and (to me) most sweet retreat, 

Preserves me healthful in September's heat. 

Thou livest right, if thou tak'stcare to be 25 

The character which fame reports of thee; 



44 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ejh XVI. 

All Rome now calls thee happy, but I fear 

Lest thou to others lend a readier ear 

Than to thyself, and lest thou should'st suppose, 

That any man true peace and comfort knows, 30 

Who is not wise and good; — if fev'rish heat 

Prey on thy vitals, would a sumptuous treat 

Allure thy appetite, should people say, 

We think thou lookest very well to-day ? 

And would'st thou dare to riot in excess, 35 

Till tremblitio* hands thy maladies confess? 

Ulcers conceai'd are oft by fools endured, 

Because too falsely modest to be cured ; 

Should any man extol thee to the skies, 

And praise by land and sea thy victories, 40 

And soothe thy list'ning ears with fulsome words; 

" May Jove, who constantly his aid affords 

To Rome and Quintius, let it doubtful be, 

If thou car'st most for Rome or Rome for thee." 

Surely thou would'st restrain the flatterer's tongue, 45 

And say these words to Caesar must belong; 

Canst thou as wise and perfect be address'd, 

And feel no conscious shame within thy breast? 

I like these epithets, and who does not? 

But by the giver they are soon forgot; 50 

The people who bestow the fasces, may 

From the unworthy, take the same away; 

" Resign them ; they are our's," the peoplec r J ; 

I do resign them — but, reluctantly. 

But should they call me thief, deny my claim 55 

To temperance, and injuring my good fame, 

Say, I had kiSPd my father with an halter, 

Should I change colour, should my tongue then falter ? 



Ep. XVI. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 45 

Whom can false honour please, or whom affright 

Save him, whose conscience is not just and right, 60 

Or wants a doctor? Say then, who is good ? 

And speak in terms which can be understood. 

He who the Senator's decrees observes, 

And from the rules of justice never swerves; 

He who is sponsor for an injured friend, 6& 

And witness against those who laws offend; 

Yet him so specious with decorous skin, 

His friends and neighbours think impure within. 

" 1 have not stolen, or made attempt to fly, 

(The slave may say) and what reward have I ?" 70 

44 Thou hast escaped from stripes;" "no blood I've 

shed ;" 
" No ravens on thy carcase shall be fed;" 
*i I'm good and frugal, as my neighbours know;'* 
The Sabines smile, as tho' thou wert not so. 
The cautious wolf of pit-falls is aware; 7ft-- 

The hawk suspects and shuns the hidden snare; 
The kite, the hook conceal'd within the bait ; 
From love of virtue, good men sin will hate ; 
The fear of punishment keeps thee in awe, 
And this alone makes thee respect the law. 80 

But could'st thou hopes of safe deceit retain, 
Thou soon would'st mix things sacred and profane : 
If from my bags one bean be stol'n by thee, 
My loss is less, but not thy villainy; 
Your honest man whom ail the courts of law 85 

Respect, as tho' his morals had no ilaw: 
Offering a sacrifice, cries out aloud, 
Janus! Apollo ! 'midst the gaping crowd ; 
But gently moves his lips in whisp'iing prater, 
Afraid of being heard, " Laverna fair, 90 



46 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. EjT. XVI. 

Permit me to deceive, but in the sight 

Of men, permit me to appear upright; 

In night conceal my wickedness, and shroud 

My fraudulent deceptions with a cloud !" 

This man is avaricious, how is he 95 

Than a slave better, how is he more free, 

If he would stoop, allured by paltry gain, 

That he the cross-road farthing might obtain ? 

For he who covets, is to fear a slave, 

And he who fears, is never free and brave; 100 

His armour and his shield that man hath lost, 

And hath abandon' d virtue's sacred post, 

Who over hasty, riches to acquire, 

Is overwhelmed by covetous desire. 

If thou canst sell thy captive, do not kill, 105 

He well may serve thee, and thy ground may till ; 

Or feed thy cattle, as a hardy slave, 

Or as thy sailor, he the storms may brave ; 

And sell thy corn, thy cattle and thy stores, 

In the best markets on far distant shores. 1 1 

A man both good and wise, may dare to say, 

As Bacchus did to Pontheus in the play, 

" Ruler of Thebes, dost thou by force intend, 

And insult base, my free-born soul to bend ?" 

" I'll seize thy goods ;" — " what, must I then behold 

My herds, my land, my moveables and gold 

All forced away ? — well, be it so;" — " I'll bind 

Thy hands and feet, and thou shalt be confined 

By a stern keeper ;" — " when I will, my soul 

Shall by a God, be loosed from thy controul." 120 

I think he points at death, for death, we know, 

Is the last link of every thing below. 



Ep* XVII. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 47 



EPISTLE XVIL 

TO SCJEVA* 

Tho' Sc2Bva thou consultest in thy breast, 
And knowest how the great should be addrest ; 
Yet if thou canst find leisure to attend 
To the experience of a little friend; 
As to a blind man who would shew the way, 5 

Thou may'st some part adopt of what I say ; 
If placid rest afford thy soul delight, 
And sleep prolonged till the sun shine bright; 
If rumbling wheels, if taverns, and if dust 
Disturb thy peace of mind, or give disgust, 10 

Take my advice, depart from bustling Rome, 
And make Tarentinum thy quiet home ; 
For joys belong nut to the rich alone, 
Nor doth he live amiss, who lives unknown; 
Should'st thou to serve thy friends still more incline, 15 
And to thyself would'st be still more benign, 
Court the attention of the essenced great. 
" If Aristippus patiently had eat 
His herbs, he never would have courted Kings." 
" Thou would'st have thought thy herbs disgusting 
things, 20 

Hadst thou by Kings been noticed:" of these two 
Opinions, tell me which most just and true; 
Or as the senior, let me first define, 
To Aristippus why I most incline; 
The biting Cynic, as the legends say, §5 

He thus eluded in a pleasant way. 



4$ THE EPISTLES OF HORACE- Ep.XYlL 

« am myjown buffoon— thy whole endeavour 

Is to obtain the fickle people's favour: 

So thou art their buffoon — with much more sense 

1 act my part ;— and what's the consequence ? 30 

A horse is ready for me when I need, 

At a King's table I can always feed ; 

On vilest things to live is all thy pride, 

Yiler than those hy whom thou artsupply'd; 

While thou pretendest (but all this is cant) 35 

That thou art not of any thing in want." 

Each state of life could Aristippus please, 

To high aspiring, but in low at ease ; 

But yonder Cynic opposite behold, 

Bv patience clothed in tunic double fold ; 40 

Can we expect that such an one as he, 

Could act another part with decency ? 

The one with ease and with a manly grace, 

Would go undress'd to any public place, 

And with propriety would act the part 

Of rich or poor, as tho' devoid of art; 

The other would a cloak Milesian shun, 

As from a dog or viper he would run, 

And would submit to die with pinching cold, 

Should'st thou from him his tatter' d cloak withhold ; 50 

Pity his weakness then— his rags restore, 

And let him live an ideot as before. 

To guide affairs, triumphantly to show 

To Roman citizens the vanquish'dfoe 

Are rare exploits, and raise the hero's name, 5S 

Hi°-h in the record of immortal fame ; 

But even he who leading men can please, 

Is not entitled to the smallest praise \ 



jEj?. XVII. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 49 

'Tis not the lot of every man who sails, 
To enter Corinth with propitious gales ; 60 

The man who fears his efforts would be vain, 
Sits still — what then ? shall we due praise retain 
From him who bravely dared and gain'd the prize ? 
Here then the drift of our inquiry lies: 
One dreads the burthen, for he thinks the weight 65 
For little minds and bodies, is too great ; 
' Another boldly with the weight contends, 
And fortune his bold enterprize befriends; 
Virtue is surely but an empty name, 
If he who rightly dares, acquire no fame. TO 

He who before his Lord his wants conceals, 
■ Will better fare than he who all reveals ; 
Ifoffer'd, take with prudence — but to seize, 
Is quite a different thing, and will displease: 
This is the secret — from this head and source, 75 

i All that I now allege, derives its force. 
\ •« Without a portion is my sister left, 
Of all support my mother is bereft; 
I cannot sell my farm, nor by it live," 
He who says this, exclaims, " give victuals, give;" 80 
Another then will whine, for me provide, 
And between him and me the dish divide ; 
But had the crow in silence eat his mess, 
More would his meat have been, and quarrels less. 
He to Brundusium who his Lord attends, 85 

Or to Sarentum pleasant, and offends 
His ears, with stringing his complaints together, 
lOf rugged roads, and cold and rainy weather; 
Then tells his friend how much he is distress'd, 
His stores being purloin* d from his broken chest; 90 

E 



50 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. XVIL 

Acts like the cunning harlot, who appears 

For her lost necklace, oft dissolved in tears, 

Oft for her girdle ; — so that no belief 

She gains at last for real loss and grief. 

Nor will the man once trick'd, incline to stay, 95 

To lift the broken limb'd man off the way ; 

Tho' with a tearful eye he may exclaim, 

." I'm no impostor — cruel — help the lame." 

" Seek for a stranger," is the general cry 

Of the hoarse concourse, of the standers by. 100 



Ep. XVIII. TITE EPISTLES OT HORACE. 51 



EPISTLE XVIII. 

TO LOLLIUS. 

If rightly I know thee, thou wilt not offend, 
My Lollius, by flattery the ears of a friend: 
As a matron and harlot can never unite, 
(unlike to each other as black is to white) 
So friendship with flattery can never agree, 5 

And 'tis friendship alone which unites me to thee; 
But tho' flattery 1 hate, there's another extreme, 
Which deserves a still -larger proportion of blame, 
A rustic uncouthness, inelegant, rude, 
Which on every occasion itself will intrude; 10 

As tho' a long beard and black teeth would denote 
A man, who had learnt Virtue's precepts by rote. 
But Virtue such foolish pretences disdains, 
And 'midst opposite vices her station maintains: 
This man is obsequious, but passes his jokes 13 

More free than is just, on the low table folks: 
But stands quite in awe of the nod of the great, 
And delights their low words in high voice to repeat ; 
Like a boy who recites all his master may say, 
Or a mimic rehearsing the words of a play ; 20 

That man arm'd with trifles, about a goat's hair 
Would wrangle, and make it a serious affair. 
What! not take my word! must I always restrain, 
If they don't suit thy taste, all the thoughts of my brain ! 
Could 1 gain a new life by such abject submission, 2$ 
1 would spurn at the offer, on such a condition. 
e2 



52 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. XVIIL 1 

What is the dispute ? whether Docilis knows 

More than Castor, to give or ward off deadly blows ? 

If I wish to Brundusium a journey to make, 

The Minutian or Appian way should I take ? 30 

The man who is ruin'd by women and play, 

Who is fond of perfumes, dresses lavishly gay, 

Who poverty dreads, and would sacrifice health, 

To his hunger and thirst after pleasure and wealth, 

Is by his rich friend both abhorr'd and suspected, 35 

Tho' with tenfold more vices this friend be infected; 

Or if not abhorr'd, he is ruled — just the same 

As a mother who wishes her daughters good fame, 

Her own to excel; so this rich powerful friend, 

With his vassal, in vice will disdain to contend ; 4Q 

My wealth, he exclaims, will excuse my excess; 

Thou art poor — let thy wisdom appear in thy dress* 

'Tis proper for thee to be frugal and plain, 

To imitate me is both foolish and vain ; 

When Eutrapelus wished to injure a friend, 45 

A present of elegant clothes he would send, 

For he knew with new clothing, new schemes would 

arise, 
He would think himself happy, and witty and wise, 
Would sleep in the day time, his business neglect, 
Indulge in loose pleasures and seldom reflect ; 50 

The money of others would lavishly spend, 
And in abject condition, his days he would end. 
Never pry into secrets — thy friend may think fit, 
His affairs to thy prudence, sometimes to commit; 
Let not wine, let not anger, induce thee to say 51 

A word, which his secrets might tend to betray* 



E]). X VIII. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 5$ 

Praise not thy own studies at other's expence ; 
Is thy friend fond of hunting? consult thy good sense, 
Introduce not thy poems, when his ear resounds 
With the shouts of the horsemen and cry of the hounds: 
Discordant pursuits once divided the brothers, 
Amphion and Zethus, and will divide others. 
Araphion at length to his brother gave way, 
And ceased on his harp most melodious to play. 
To the gentle commands of the great thou should'st 
yield ; 65 

Should their nets, dogs, and horses be sent to the field ; 
Arise; lay the petulant Muses aside, 
The chace will a plentiful supper provide: 
The Romans were always renown'd in the chace, 
What exercise better the sinews to brace ? 70 

In this manly pursuit who can Lollius exceed, 
Like a boar in his strength, like a greyhound in speed ? 
Who handles his arms with more grace and more spirit ? 
The public applause is a proof of his merit, 
When in a sham fight he attempts to sustain 75 

The manoeuvres of war, with his men on the plain; 
Thou knowest the hardship of camps, their alarms, 
In Cantabria learning the practice of arms; 
Led on by a hero whose valour obtain'd 
The standards which Parthia from Crassushad sraia'd;8d 
A hero who teaches the world to obey 
The orders of Rome, and submit to her sway. 
Thou despisest all habits of ease and of pleasure, 
Attending in all things to number and measure: 
And when in the country, thy mind dost unbend 8$ 
In sports, which to public emolument lend, 



§4 THE EPISTLES OF HOUjTCE. Ep. XVIII. 

The boys part the boats, then their stations they take, 
And mindful of Actium, contend on the lake; 
One squadron thou leadest thyself, and the other 
Obeys the command of thy friend and thy brother; 90 
Then eager you fight, each desirous of praise, 
'Till one of you gain rapid victory's bays; 
These pursuits, which exactly with Caesar's unite. 
He applauds with both hands, for they give him delight 
If thou wantest advice, to my maxims attend, 9& 

They are meant to instruct thee, and not to offend; 
If another man's conduct engage thy attention. 
Thy sentiments always most cautiously mention ; 
Shun the man who asks questions, as pratling and vain, 
Open ears, receive secrets, but seldom retain, 100- 
Every word from thy tongue, whether foolish or wise, 
Whether well timed or not, irrevocably flies. 
In thy noble friend's mansion of marble, beware 
That none of his handmaids thy passions ensnare; 
Lest as a great favour the damsel he give, 105 

Or thou disappointed, in anguish should'st live. 
Before thou shalt venture a man to commend* 
To his conduct in life most minutely attend, 
For should he be found^quite devoid of all merit, 
Thy recommendation would bring thee discredit; 110 
This man has deceived me, thou frankly might'st say, 
But he shall not entrap me again fn this way ; 
If false accusations should injure a friend 
Well known, then his innocence boldly defend ; 
The case is thy own, for if Theon should bite 1 15 

Thy friend with his tooth, thou may'st next feel hk 
spite ; 



Ep. XVIII. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 55 

The fire not extinguis'd increases in strength, 

And the flames which rage near us, may reach us at 

length ; * 

To pay court to the great some may think an enjoy- 
ment, 
But those who have try'd it, detest the employment. 120 
Thou art now out at sea, with a prosperous gale, 
Press forwards; a contrary wind may prevail: 
The grave hate the gay, the jocose hate the grave, 
The swift hate the slow, and the coward, the brave; 
The man who sits long at the table, and drinks, 125 
Hates him, from the circling glasses who shrinks, 
Tho' he should declare he is forced to decline, 
By a weak state of health, all indulgence in wine. 
Take the cloud from thy forehead — the modest appear 
Very often obscure, and the silent, severe; 130 

Amidst ail thy engagements take time to reflect, 
And for reading, the wisest, best authors select, 
Who may rightly instruct thee in passing thy days, 
Free from care and from bustle, in sweet placid ease; 
Not toss'd by the tumults of empty ambition, 135 

With fear, or vain longings to change thy condition; 
Whether doctrine alone can true virtue impart? 
Or hath nature implanted it deep in the heart? 
What may lessen thy cares ? what will make thee a friend 
To thyself; what to tranquillize purely will tend? 140 
Whether honour, or gain, or a lone situation, 
And a path thro' the world which escapes observation? 
Digentia's cold streams which Mandela supply, 
(A village exposed to an inclement sky) 
Afford me refreshment, and what dost thou think 145 
That I pray for and wish, when this water I drink? 



56 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. J£p. XVIII. 

May I keep my possessions, but should they grow less, 
May I still be content, nor give way to distress. 
If the Gods in their wisdom should lengthen my days, 
May I live to myself, and enjoy placid ease ! 150 

Of good books may I always have plentiful store, 
And provisions to last me a twelvemonth or more; 
For when we depend on supplies day by day, 
Hopes and fears on our comforts incessantly prey. 
5 Tis sufficient to pray for these blessings to Jove, 155 
Who can grant them at pleasure, at pleasure remove; 
May he give life and wealth — with attention and care 
I will strive for myself, a j ust mind to prepare. 



i 



Ep. XIX. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 57 



EPISTLE XIX. 

TO MMCENAS. 

Maecenas learn'd ! Cratinus says, 

(A poet born in ancient days, 

Canst thou believe him?) that no song 

Could please or be remember'd long, 

Which was composed by water drinkers, S 

A race of cool and prudent thinkers; 

But since the Poet's half insane, 

Bacchus halh enroll' d with the train 

Of fawns and satyrs; all the nine, 

Have in the morning breath'd of wine ; 10 

Homer commends the grapes rich juice, 

From whence, 'tis plain, he knew its use; 

Wine warm'd old Eunius's veins, 

When he composed his martial strains; 

The sober at the bar excel, 1 5 

And let them drink at Libo's well. 

Those who are rigid and severe, 

Will never sing to charm the ear ; 

I smiling spoke — without delay, 

Poets drink wine both night and day, 20 

As tho' 'twere wine which could impart 

The Muse's raptures to the heart. 

What! if I chance a man to meet, 

With look austere and naked feet, 

And shortly clad in tunic rude, 25 

Like Cato, must I thence conclude, 



58 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. XIX. 

That Cato's worth in him I see, 
His virtue and sincerity ? 
larbitas, they say, thought fit 
To be a gentleman and wit ; 3o 

At length he burst, by envy swelPd, 
Because Timagenes excell'd. 
We soon detect the sly deceit, 
When Vice would Virtue counterfeit? 
Should I by chance look pale and wan, 35 

The servile herd my face would scan, 
* And would a glass of cumin swallow, 

That they might bloodless look, and sallow. 
Imitators herd most vile, 

How often have ye stirr'd my bile? 46 

How often given me just pretence 

To laugh at your self consequence ? 

Thro' vacant spaces I have made 

A path, where no one else has stray'd. 

The man who in himself confides, 45 

The buzzing swarm at pleasure guides ? 

By using first Iambic measures, 

i added to the Latian treasures; 

Archilochus's feet and spirit, 

Give to my verse a novel merit? 50 

His bitterness I strive to shun, 

By which Lycambes was undone ; 

And should a shortened wreath be spread, 

With curtail'd honours round my head, 

Because I chose not to depart 5S 

From the old rules of lyric art ? 

Sappho dared boldly to infuse 

Into Archilochus's muse 5 



-, 



Ep. XIX. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 59 

A manly warmth ; Alcaeus too, 

The same bold maimer did pursue ; 60 

Retaining still this Poet's measure, 

He changed the subject at his pleasure* 

Alcaeus chose not to rehearse 

A perjured Sire, in blood-stain'd verse •* 

Or husband eager to prepare 65 

A halter for his wedded fair* 

First of the Romans I aspire, 

To tune to Latian verse, his lyre ; 

And I rejoice, when some things new, 

And some forgot, I bring to view, 10 

That men ingenuous peruse 

The feeble efforts of my Muse. 

Many will read my works at leisure, 

Confessing that they give them pleasure; 

But when abroad, withhold their praise, 7& 

And public envy strive to raise. 

Thou askest why ? I never labour 

To gain the fickle people's favour ; 

I give no suppers, do not bribe 

With thread bare coats, the vena! tribe ; 80- 

Avoid recitals, where the great 

Writers, their own fine works repeat; 

Never bestow the least endeavour, 

To gain the grammar pedant's favour, 

Hence are these tears — and if my verse 85 

I shun in public to rehearse, 

Thinking 1 have no just pretence, 

To give my trifles, consequence 

In crowded theatres, they smile 

As tho' I banter'd all the while ; 90 



60 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. XIX. 

u 0, we suppose, that Caesar's ear 

Alone is fit thy verse to hear ; 

As no one now like Horace shines, 

In sweet and highly polish'd lines. ,, 

Should I with scorn their sneers repay, 95 

Their nails might wound me in the fray; 

So unconcerned I pretend 

I would withdraw, some lines to mend; 

For frequently a playful joke, 

Warm strife and anger will provoke; 100 

And anger, when indulged too far, 

Fierce enmity and mortal war. 



A 



Ef.XX. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 6* 



EPISTLE XX. 

TO HIS BOOK. 

Thou seem'st (if I mistake thee not) ray book, 

Tow'rds Janus and Vertumnus oft to look, 

That polish'd by the Socii, thou may'st lie 

Expos'd to sale, and catch the public eye. 

Thou hatest keys and seals, to modest worth, 5 

Grateful, and longest now to issue forth ; 

Vex'd with few readers, and thy education, 

Thou fain would'st rise in public estimation: 

Fly then away, pursue thy wayward course, 

For in return thou wilt have no resource, 10 

But when at length thy oft perused page, 

The languid reader ceases to engage, 

When thou art torn, or carelessly thrown by ; 

" What have I done ?" Oh what a wretch am I V 9 

Thou wiit exclaim — but then 'twill be too late : 15 

Now if the Augur well can read thy fate, 

Thou wilt be dear to Rome while youth shall last; 

But when the grace of novelty be past, 

Then handled by the vulgar thou wiit need 

A scouring, or the sluggish moths will feed 20 

On thee, cast oiFin place obscure to lie, 

Except to Utica thou haste to fly ; 

Or, like a captive bound, should chance to gain 

A passage to llerda's town in Spain. 

Thy monitor meantime, despised by thee, 25 

Will only smile at thy perplexity ; 






62 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. XX. 

Like him, who angry, with a sudden shock 
The stubborn ass push'd headlong from the rock, 
For who would labour and exert his skill, 
To save a man or beast against his will ? 30 

Wilt thou not frown, when lisping age employs 
Thy pages to instruct raw village boys? 
But if by chance thou should'st collect together 
A crowd of readers, in fine sunshine weather, 
Say, from a father libertine descended 35 

Of low estate, that I my wings extended 
Beyond the nest, and to my virtues place, 
What thou deductest from my humble race- 
Say, that I pleased the leading men of Rome, 
Warriors abroad, or counsellors at home ; 40 

Of little stature, prematurely grey, 
Fond of the sun, and often led astray 
By quick irascibility of mind, 
Tho' of a nature placable and kind ; 
If any one should then enquire of thee 45 

The date exact of my nativity, 
Say, that Decembers forty-four had fled, 
When Lollius, Lepidus for colleague hd. 



THE 



EPISTLES OF HORACE. 



BOOK IT. 



EPISTLE I. 



TO AUGUSTUS. 



While Czesar thou alone sustain'st the cares, 

Of such variety of great affairs, 

While Italy's concerns thy arms defend, 

Thy morals decorate, thy laws amend ; 

I should against the public weal transgress, 5 

]f I detain'd thee by a long address. 

Rome's founder, father Bacchus, and the pair 

Of noble twins, the Sons of Laeda fair, 

Whose mighty deeds, immortal honours grace, 

Who civilized on earth the human race; 10 

Composed fierce wars, and faithful to their trust, 

Allotted lands with distribution just, 

And built new towns; lamented much to find 

The base ingratitude of human kind. 

The hydra dire, who slew, and who subdued 15 

With fated toil, the monster's horrid brood ; 



64 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. I. 

Even he so noble, generous, just, and brave, 
Found envy conquer'd only by the grave. 
He scorches with his splendour, who bears down 
Talents and arts inferior to his own ; 20 

But when for ever from the earth removed, 
The same will be respected and beloved. 
Honours mature on thee we now bestow, 
Such as we justly to thy merits owe ; 
And altars to thy name, observant raise, 25 

Confessing that inp ast or present days, 
Thou hast no equal ; but tho' just and wise 
In this one point, of giving thee the prize 
Of excellence, before each leader's name, 
Grecian or Roman, in the rolls of fame, 30 

In other things, the people will decide, 
With far less sense and reason on their side; 
For with disgust all compositions new, 
Which want the stamp of age, the people view; 
The ancients they adore ; — without a iiaw 35 

They think the Decemvir's twelve tabled law, 
The regal treaties with the Gabii bold, 
And with the rigid Sabines famed of old, 
The Pontiff's books, the old prophetic rhimes, 
Foretelling actions of succeeding times; 40 

These of great worth and merit they account, 
And spoken by the Muse on Alban's mount ; 
But if the Grecian Poets must prevail 
By age alone, weigh Roman in that scale ; 
Within the olive, and the nut around, 45 

Who will assert that nothing hard is found? 
The pinnacle of fortune we have gain'd, 
In painting and in singing have obtain'd 



Ep. I. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 65 

And wrestling too, a more than Grecian fame; 

If then to Terse like wine, age gives a name, 50 

Tell me how many years must first expire, 

Before a book can excellence acquire ? 

Will you the praise of good and old bestow 

On him who wrote a century ago ? 

Or will jou rank him with the new and vile ? 5? 

But let not many words inflame our bile. — 

" One hundred years will stamp his works to be 

Old, and entitled to celebrity;" 

Suppose he wants a single month or year, 

How will you rank him, must his name appear CO 

Among the ancient poets, or have place 

Among the modern, which the present race 

And future will despise ? " he well may claim 

Who wants a month or year, the ancient's fame." 

This granted, I proceed, like him who drew G* 

From the mare's tail first one hair, and then two, 

Till like the sand in glasses, which by grains 

Lessens, no weight of argument remains 

To those who value merit by the year, 

And at all modern excellence will sneer. 70 

Ennius the wise and brave aud ancient name, 

Who critics say has rivalled Homer's fame; 

His promises, neglected, and the schemes 

Prompted by his Pythagorean dreams; 

Naevius, tho* seldom in our hands, we find • 75 

Treasured (as learn'd by rote) in every mind, — 

Who most excells, if any doubts arise* 

Pacuvius old and learn'd will gain the prize 

Accius is thought sublime — Afranius' case 

Flows like Menander's, and is sure to please SO 

T 



^sy 



66 T3E EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. h 

Plautus like Epicharmus hastes along, 

In fable elegant and sweet in song; 

In subjects grave, Caccilius all admire ; 

With art Terentius modulates his lyre : 

Rome reads and learns these poets, who engage 85" 

The warm applauses of the public stage, 

And from the time of Livius to our days 

Their works obtain an universal praise ; 

The vulgar sometimes rightly may conclude, 

But their opinions oft are false and crude ; 90 

If ancient poets they so much esteem, 

That equal or superior, nought they deem; 

They err — but if they candidly admit, 

Some are too old, and some want ease and wit ; 

Then they form just opinions, and agree 95 

In all their leading sentiments with rae. 

But tho' I censure, 'tis not to destroy 

The songs of Livius, which to me a boy 

Orbilius taught, a pedagogue severe; 

But can I cease to wonder when I hear 100 

These poems praised as perfect and divine ? 

In which a word by chance may brightly shine, 

And here and there a highly finish'd verse, 

Which may afford us pleasure to rehearse; 

And these unjustly over faults prevail, 105 

And for the whole procure a ready sale. 

I'm vex'd to see a good new work despised, 

And bad old works immoderately prized, 

As tho' entitled to immortal fame, 

W T hen our indulgence only, they can claim: 110 

Is Atta's fable worthy to engage 

The flowers perfumes and plaudits of the stage ? 



EfU I. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 67 

Should I thus doubt, the senators exclaim, 
Thou hast abandon'd every sense of shame; 
When I attempt some slight defects to quote, 115 

In what grave iEsop or learn'd Roscius wrote ; 
Either they think that nothing can be right 
Which does not with their sentiments unite, 
Or that it would the elders wise disgrace, 
Were they, young men's opinions to embrace. 120 

The Saliis' soug composed in Numa's days, 
Some men who never heard it, dare to praise ; 
But can such praise, give honour to the dead, 
As blasts the laurel on the living* head ? 
Their enmity to us is clearly seen ; 125 

We are the objects of their hate and spleen. — 
But if the Greeks (as we do) had despised 
All that is new, what old works could be prized ? 
What now would public libraries produce, 
Freeh to circulate for general use ? 130 

When Greece had ceased for liberty to fight, 
In trifles elegant she took delight; 
Favour'd by fortune, who each want supplied, 
She into vice insensibly did slide, 

Wrestlers aud horses now, delight impart, 135 

Now she admires the sculptor's curious art; 
Marble and brass and ivory seem to live, 
And face and mind to canvass, painters give; 
Now comedy and song enchant her ear, 
Now tragedy draws forth th' impassion'd tear ; 140 
AS when an infant in his nurse's arms, 
Sports with a plaything which his fancy charms, 
But soon is tired, and throws aside the toy, 
For what disgusts a man, delights a boy. 
f 2 



63 THE EPISTLES OF HOftAcE. Ep. I. 

If nicely we survey this mortal state, 145 

What man is constant in his love or hate ? 

The prosp'rous gales attending happy peace, 

To arts and luxury gave this increase; 

'Twas long a custom sanctioned at Rome, 

To spend the morning solemnly at home, 150 

That on their patrons, clients might attend, 

And each be counsell'd by his pow'rful friend, 

How to put out their money safe to use, 

And guard against all fraudulent abuse ; 

The elders taught, the younger learnt the way 155 

To make wealth grow and hurtful lusts decay : 

But other plans our fickle times engage, 

To scribble verse is now the general rage; 

Fathers severe, and boys with laurel crown'd, 

Enjoy their suppers while the song goes round ; 160 

Even I, who say 1 neverwrite in verse, 

Am foutid more false than Parthians, and rehearse, 

And before sun rise of Parnassus think, 

Calling for pens, for paper, and for ink. 

The man who knows not sailing arts, would fear, 165 

On the tempestuous sea a ship to steer, 

Who to the sick would southernwood prescribe 

Except a member of the healing tribe? 

Doctors will promise what they understand, 

An artist guides his tools with skilful hand ; 170 

But learn'd and unlearn'd both consume their time, 

From morn to evening, in composing rhime; 

Call this an error, or a want of sense, 

It still to virtue has some small pretence. 

Who ever knew a poet, with a mind, 175 

To heap up riches greedily inclined ? 



Ep. I. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 69 

He loves a verse — in this he takes delight, 

He laughs at losses, fire, and servants' flight; 

No fraud, no evil, ever he intends, 

To boys intrusted to him, or to friends; ISO 

He patiently submits, tho' only fed, 

With humble vetches, or with household bread, 

A wretched soldier, and inert, but then, 

In peace he makes an useful citizen; 

But if you grant the weak may aid the strong, 18> 

The poet forms the infants' lisping tongue, 

His ear averts from words obscene, his soul 

Instructs to yield to virtues wise controul 

Corrects the passions, strives to make them free, 

From anger, envy, and asperity ; 190 

Records events, instructs the rising youth, 

By known examples, in the paths of truth r 

Comforts the man with poverty opprest, 

And soothes the anguish of the sick man's breast. 

Could virgins chaste and spotless boys unite 195 

In solemn prayer, if poets ceased to write ? 

The chorus asks, in supplicating strain, 

And from the skies draws down refreshing rain, 

Dispells feard dangers, and averts disease, 

And years obtains of fruitfulness and peace ; 200 

The powers above, the manes who reside 

In realms below, by verse are pacified. 

Our husbandmen of old, were brave and blest, 

Tho' they but little property possess'd, 

And harvest ended, on the stated days, 205 

Body and mind indulged in feasts and plays 

With their companions, with their sons and boys, 

Partners in toil, and partners in their joys ; 






TO THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. I. 

A fatted pig on Tellus they bestow'd, 

While to Silvanus milk abundant flow'd, 210 

And flowers and wine, they offer'd to the power, 

The kind reminder of the fleeting hour? 

From hence the licence Fescenine arose, 

And rustic wit in verse alternate flows ; 

From year to year, this freedom was enjoy'd, 215 

And with good humour pleasantly employ'd, 

Till jokes severe began at length to be 

Converted into open enmity. 

Of envj's cruel tooth some felt the smart, 

The untouched had the common cause at heart; 220 

And laws were made, declaring it a crime, 

To notice others in malicious rhime; 

This fear of punishment led men to write 

On a new model form'd to give delight. 

Greece captive soon the savage conqueror caught, 225 

And into Latium arts and manners brought; 

Then ver e Saturnian ceased, and in the place 

Of venom'd rhime, came elegance and grace; 

But slow was the improvement, for we find 

Some traces still of manners unrefined : 230 

'Twas long before the Grecians polish'd wit 

Would the rough genius of the Romans fit, 

But when the bloody Punic wars were closed, 

And Italy in peace and rest reposed, 

Then she began the merits to discuss 235 

Of Thespis, Sopholes, and Eschylus, 

And afterwards attempted to infuse 

The Grecian spirit in the Latian muse, 

The bold attempt succeeded, for her mind ■ 

Was manly and sublime, tho' not refined ; 240 



-£p. I. THTE EPISTLES OF HOltAcE. tl 

The tragic muse inflamed her haughty soul, 

But she disdaiu'd to blot, and spurn'd controul, 

Thinking erasures shew'd a want of spirit, 

And derogated from an author's merit. 

'Tis thought that Comedies are wrote with ease, 245 

Because the scenes of common life can please, 

But as the public no indulgence show, 

Poets are forced much labour to bestow. 

How loosely Plautus writes ! how ill sustains 

The youthful lover's part, his joys and pains ! 250 

The anxious father's, and the pander's sly ! 

Say, can Dorsennus captivate the eye? 

Can his voracious parasites engage, 

Or his loose buskins, notice from the stage ? 

To pocket money is his sole delight, 255 

The fable may be wrong, or may be right. 

He who in glory's airy car is borne, 

Paints, if received with apathy or scorn* 

Applause inflates him — trifles thus can raise, 

Or can depress a writer fond of praise; 260 

If 1 must sink, or must increase in size, 

As I'm refused or bonour'd by the prize, 

Parewel for ever such pursuits most vain, 

Unworthy more my notice to obtain; 

Poets are often terrified, because 265 

Numbers, and not discernment, give the laws ; 

The weak, unlearned, in fierce disputes engage, 

If knights applaud the poet on the stage, 

And in the middle of the songs declare 

They prefer boxers, or a dancing bear, 270 

In these the vulgar place their chief delight; 

The ear grows torpid, even of the knight, 



?2 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep* h 

Who now prefers to gratify his eyes 

In foolish pageants which excite surprize; 

Furl'd are the scenes which decorate a play, 275 

While troops of horse and footmen haste away ; 

Then kings with fetter 7 d hands are forced along, 

Cars, chariots, waggons, ships, increase the throng, 

Statues of iv'ry now the stage adorn, 

Now Corinth's spoils triumphantly are born ; 2S0 

Democritus would laugh were he on earth, 

To see the crowd admire a monstrous birth, 

Half camel and half panther — he would be 

Delighted also in no small degree, 

To see the people wond'ring at the sight 285 

Of a strange beast, an elephant, all white, 

Surely their follies would his thoughts engage 

More than the pla\s then acted on the stage; 

And he would think that poets wrote in vain, 

From asses deaf applauses to obtain; 290 

But how can voices overcome the sound, 

With which our crowded theatres abound? 

Thou would'st suppose thou heard'st the forest roar 

Of Garganus, or waves which dash the shore ; 

With such a noise the multitude surveys 295 

The scenery, the dress, and pomp of plays ; 

The fine dress'd actor meets with loud applause. 

What ha3 he said, which all this clapping draws ? 

Nothing— what pleases then ? their ravnh'd eyes 

Behold the brightness of Tarentine dyes, 300 

But think not Ca2sar,I indulge a spite 

Against the plays which other poets write, 

When I the task decline — he takes full scope 

And with address perambulates the rope, 



Ep, I. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 73 

Who by his words, affects my heart at will, 305 

Can irritate, can sooth, with terrors fill, 

Like a magician, and with strange controul, 

To Athens now, and now transports my soul 

To Thebes — but let the poets who prefer, 

A private reader, to the Theatre, 310 

Whose censure proud disturbs them, gain thine ear, 

If thou wouldst wish new volumes to appear, 

To fill the library which thou hast raised 

In honour of Apollo, justly praised, 

And wouldst incite them to frequent the fount, 315 

Of Helicon and its virescent mount : 

Poets do often their own ills create, 

(1 frankly own that this is oft my fate) 

When for thy reading we a book prepare, 

And give it thee worn down with toil and care; 320 

And when we fret because a verse offends 

The ears fastidious of our well known friends, 

And when we grieve that poems spun so fine, 

In the arrangement of each word and line, 

Are overlook'd, and when we oft rehearse 325 

Without being ask'd our self-applauded verse, 

And when we trust that shouid'st thou understand, 

We have a work poetical in hand, 

Thou wilt spontaneous send for us, and say, 

Write on, your fortune's made — drive care away; 330 

But it is worth some labour, well to know 

How much great virtues to the poets owe, 

Tho' to a poet mean, it is not fit 

The hero's fame and sage's to commit; 

One Chcerilus bad verses couid repeat, 335 

Which pleased the ear, of Alexander great, 






74 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep, I. 

Who in return for flattery ill paid, 

A royal present of Philippi made. 

Ink spill'd on paper, always leaves a spot, 

So do bad verses noble actions blot; 340 

But this same King, who foolishly enough, 

Lavished his money on such wretched stuff; 

Forbid that others should his picture draw, 

Except Apelles, by a special law, 

And that except Lysippus, none should trace 345 

In brass the likeness of his royal face ; 

But had this King, who so well could descry, 

The works of art, which captivate the eye, 

Attempted books and poems to compare, 

Thou wouldst assert, he breathed Boeotian air; 350 

But thou art guided by superior sense, 

And knowest how thy favours to dispense: 

Virgil and Varius well thy notice claim, 

Thy gifts to them have eternized thy fame ; 

No brazen bust a likeness can convey, 355 

With more exactness than the poet's lay, 

One gives the face, the other more refined, 

Describes the Hero's manners and his mind. 

But it is not by choice that I compose 

Words creeping on the ground, resembling prose ; S60 

Great deeds perform'd, the site of countries vast, 

Castles on rocks, the mighty rivers pass'd; 

Barbarian kingdoms, and the happy peace, 

Which causes wars throughout the world to cease ; 

The gates of Janus dosed, the Roman name, 365 

By thee our Prince exalted, and its fame 

To Parthia terrible — these I should chuse, 

As glorious subjects for my humble muse; 



i\ 



Ep* I. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 15 

But want of power forbids me to fulfill, 

The inclinations of ray ardent will ; 370 

Nor would a slender groveling song agree 

With the respect we owe thy Majesty; 

So modesty compels me to decline, 

A task requiring far more strength than mine : 

Officiousness disgusts the friends we love, 375 

And it doth often more offensive prove 

When dress' d in artful verse, for then we fear, 

The compliment contains some hidden sneer, 

And in our memory we less retain 

What gives us pleasure, than what gives us pain ; 380 

This office then as hateful I resign, 

And never do I wish ray face to shine, 

Moulded in wax, distorted, nor my name, 

In ill wrote verse to be consign'd to fame, 

Lest I should blush, at such a present base, 385 

And with the author in an open case 

Be to some paltry street or shop convey'd, 

Where silly writings serve the pedlar's trade, 

To wrap round pepper, frankincence, perfume, 

And other things which paper waste consume. 390 






16 THE EPISTLES &F HORACE. Ep. II. 

EPISTLE II. 

TO JULIUS FLORUS. 

Florus ! the noble Nero's friend, 

If any one by chance should send, 

To thee for sale, a boy forlorn, 

At Tibur or at Gabii born ; 

And thus should sav, the boy is fair, 5 

In shape most perfect to a hair, 

Eight thousand sesterces I ask, 

A nod reminds him of his task, 

A little Greek he understands, 

To every thing he turns his hands, 10 

He is so apt, a master may 

Mould him at will, liketemper'd clay, 

His untaught song is very sweet 

To those at festivals who meet: 

Too many words suspicions raise 15 

When we our wares unduly praise, 

Tho' low in cash, from debt I'm free, 

No other man would offer thee 

So good a bargain, and in vain 

Would others wish the like to gain ; 20 

He once did make a little slip, 

And loiter'd, fearful of the whip ; 

Lay down the money, all is right* 

He will not harm thee save by flight; 

Thou can'st no remedy obtain, 25- 

Or get thy money back again, 



Ep. II. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. TT 

Thou knowingly didst buy the lad, 

Who as a runaway was bad, 

Why then attempt relief to draw 

From a perplexing suit at law ? 30 

I told thee when thou went'st from Rome, 

That I was very dull at home, 

Had lost my cheerfulness and wit, 

And was for writing verse unfit, 

Lest a long silence might offend 35 

A man, I honour'd as my friend, 

What have I gain'd by this profession 

If silence now be called transgression ■? 

A soldier of Lucullus kept 

His wealth about him while he slept, 40 

(Which with much trouble he had stored) 

A thief approached him as he snored, 

And stole it all — he then became 

Like a wild beast, which none could tame, 

Vex'd with himself and with his foes, 45 

By desperation urged, he goes, 

And by an unexpected shock 

Storms a rich castle on a rock ; 

For this bold act, renown he gained, 

And many precious gifts obtain'd : 50 

The Praeter now had strong desire 

A neighb'ring castle to acquire; 

He call'd this man, and to him told 

Enough to make a coward bold, 

" Brave fellow go where virtue calls, 55 

" And gain for me yon lofty walls, 

" And if thy courage shall sccceed, 

u Immense rewards shall crown the deed ,•" 






?8 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE* Ep. II 

" Why loiter thus V 1 he now was grown 

A little cautious tho' a clown, 60 

" Gen'ral" said he, " 1 should not lag, 

" If I had got an empty bag, 

" But seek a man, in pocket low, 

" For where thou wishest he will go." 

Brought up at Rome, I there was taught 65 

What woes enraged Achilles brought 

On Greece — then some increase of art 

Good Athens did to me impart, 

In separating wrong from right, 

And in her groves I took delight, 70 

To search for truth, that 1 might find 

A right direction to my mind. 

Hard times succeeded, and removed 

Me from the city which I loved, 

Then I was hurried by the rage 75 

Of civil discord, to engage 

In arms which could not long withstand, 

Agustus Caesar's mighty hand ; 

But when Phiiiipi's field was lost, 

My expectations all were crost; 80 

My wings were dipt, my whole estate 

W 7 as swallow'd up by adverse fate; 

Audacious poverty did then 

Impel me to essay my pen, 

In writing verses, but now blest 85 

With competence repose and rest, 

I must be mad indeed I think, 

And ought much hellebore to drink, 

Did 1 not rather day and night 

Prefer to sleep, than verses write : 90 



Ep. II. THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 79 

The passing years steal joys away, 

Fled are my jokes, love, feasting, play, 

And now my songs, from me they wrest, 

What can I do then for the best ? 

In admiration and in love, 95 

We oft in opposition move, 

In lyric songs thou tak'st a pleasure, 

Another likes Iambic measure; 

A third in Bion's verse delights, 

For this, well pepper'd, keenly bites; 100 

Invite three guests — their tastes observe, 

No dish the taste of two will serve ; 

What shall I give? — the one refuses 

The dish the other fondly chuses; 

And what thou seems't to like the best, 105 

The other two, as sour detest : 

Now cans't thou think that J have time 

At Rome to write to thee in rhime, 

Amidst so many toils and cares ? 

This man involved in his affairs, 110 

Requires a bondsman — that invites 

Me, to read over all he writes. 

One lives upon the Hill Quirinus, 

One on the distant A.ventinus, 

Both must be visited, altho', 115 

It be a weary way to go ; 

" The streets are clean enough (thou'it say) 

11 Thou may'st be musing all the way ;" 

The architect here hastes along, 

With mules and waggons thro' the throng, 120 

There on a vast machine, you see 

A massive stone, or limber tree ; 






SO THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. II. 

There funerals sad the draymen meet, 

And scarcely pass them in the street, 

A rapid dog affrights me, now 125 

I shun the fury of a sow; 

Come then in calmness pass along, 

And meditate harmonious song ! 

All poets fly from towns, and love, 

The calming stillness of the grove ; 130 

Clients of Bacchus, who is made 

Happy by gentle sleep and shade. 

Yet thou woulds't wish me songs to write 

Amidst such bustle day and night, 

And to the strictest rules confine 135 

The harmony of every line ; 

A genius who delights to rove 

In Athens' calm and shady grove, 

Hath studied for seven years, and now 

With books and cares hath mark'd his brow ; 140 

More silent than a statue, meets 

The public laughter in the streets ; 

Amidst such waves and tempests then 

Can I attempt to guide my pen, 

To write with animated fire, 145 

A composition for the lyre ? 

A lawyer and a rhetorician, 

Two brothers full of vain ambition, 

Alternately at Rome would raise 

Their voice, to sound each other's praise; 150 

" Thou art a Gracchus in mine eyes, 

" And thou a Mucius, he replies." 

Now are not poets as insane, 

Loquacious, arrogant, and vain? 



Ep. II. THE EPISTLES Of HORACE. 81 

In lyric measures / compose, 155 

His elegy most sweetly flows, 

Art is discovered in each line, 

The work is worthy of the Nine! 

See with what self conceit and pride 

We walk together side hy side, 160 

And view the dome with empty shelves, 

Prepared for poets like ourselves! 

If thou hast leisure to pursue, 

The subject with attention due, 

Hear at a distance, why each lays 105 

His claim to wear a crown of bays ; 

We seem to tight in angry mood, 

Like Samnites with their swords of wood, 

From evening to the dawn of day, 

When we our compliments display ; 170 

I am Alca?us in his view, 

Now what return to him is due ? 

He is Callimachus, if more 

Be still required, I then explore, 

A higher name to crown his merit, 175 

" Thou hast Mfamermas? wit and spirit ;" 

Much do I labour when I write, 

To guard against the poet's spite, 

For I would fain preserve the grace 

Of this most irritable race ; 180 

I also strive to draw the tide, 

Of public favour, on my side; 

But studies ended, when I find, 

A renovated strength of mind? 

G 



82 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep, H. 

I turn a deafen'd ear to those, 185 

Who read whatever they compose. 

We laugh at those, had verse who write, 

Tho* in composing they delight; 

And happy in their own conceit, 

If thou be silent, they repeat 190 

Their own encomiums — but those 

Who would a finished work compose, 

Should like a honest critic, think, 

When they take paper, pen, and ink; 

And should remove from every line, 19& 

Words, which are weak and dimlj shine, 

And want due dignity and grace, 

Tho' they reluctant quit their place, 

And may in Vesta's honour' d fane, 

Their wonted consequence retain: — 200 

Words long obscure and out of use, 

They boldly will to light produce ; 

Which the Cethegi, and the bold 

Catos approved in days of oltL; 

But now are deem'd as out of date, -.-205 

Deform'd, uncouth, and obselete. 

New words which custom shall admit, 

They will adopt as right and fit ; 

And like a river pure, which yields 

Us streams to bless the verdant fields, 210 

They will round Italy dispense, 

A current of rich eloquence ; 

Luxuriant words they will-compress, 

And clothe rough -ones in smoother dress? 



JEp-H* THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. 8S 

And as their virtues shall decay, 21 h 

These useless words will take away ; 

This they will do with native ease, 

Like skilful actors who can please, 

Whether with Satyrs brisk they play, 

Or from rough Cyclops run away ; 220 

May I be thought a writer vain* 

Inert, or even half insane ;. 

If happy, rather than to be 

A writer of celebrity, 

With mind distress' d — a man they say 225 

At Argos thought he heard a play ; 

(A tragedy of wond'rous merit) 

Which he applauded with much spirit, 

Sitting alone, and no one uear, 

His joyful shouts and claps to hear ; 230 

Strict in morality of life* 

Kind to his neighbours,. guests, and wife > 

Who pardon'd slaves neglecting tasks, 

And raved not at their opening casks; 

Against a rock who would not run, 235 

And who an open well would shun;. 

When he by his relations wealth, 

And kind attention to his health, 

And draughts of Ellebore refined, 

Kegain'd the vigour of his mind, 240 

He loud exclaim'd — my friends, to you 

No gratitude from me is due, 

For you have aided to destroy, 

The so cjrce of my terrestrial joy ; 






.84 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. II. 

My mental error made me gay, 245 

And force has driven it quite away. 

Come now from trifles let us rise, 

'Tis far more useful to be wise; 

Tbo' reason tells us that we may 

Give boys their proper hoursfor play. 250 

Let us no longer now enquire, 

What words best suit the Latian lyre, 

But with exact attention scan, 

What constitutes the bliss of man! 

W T ithin myself I oft discuss 255 

This subject, and I reason thus, 

If copious draughts should leave thee dry, 

Thou to a doctor wouldst apply ; 

If as thou addest to thy store, 

Thou still art coveting for more, 260 

Wilt thou (tho' mentally dislres't,) 

Conceal the secret in thy breast ? 

If I should herbs and roots procure, 

To dress thy wound, and could not cure, 

Thou would'st with reason just refrain, 265 

To use these herbs and roots again. 

Kow thou hast heard that Folly fiies 

The man, whom Heaven with wealth supplies; 

Consult thy conscience — thou must own 

Thou art in wealth, not wisdom grown ; 270 

V/hy then wilt thou attention pay, 

To those who lead thee thus astray ? 

If gold could render thee more wise, 

Or cause thee av'rice to despise, 



Ep.ll. THE EPISTLES OP HORACE. 85 

Could give thee firmness — then indeed 2T5 

Should any man alive exceed 

Thyself in wealth, a blushing face, 

Would not thy avarice disgrace; 

If what we buy with scales and brass, 

Doth into our possession pass, 280 

As lawyers saj — tis clearly shown, 

The land which feeds thee is thine own* 

Occus's steward when he knows 

That thou wilt buy the crops h© sows, 

Perceives thou art his lord — -his wine, 285 

Grapes, fowls and eggs, for gold are thine, 

And thus thou may'st, by payments small, 

His ground, thy own possession call. 

What matters it, if now I pay, 

Or did so in a former day ? 290 

The owner of the rich domains, 

In Ariciue's and Yeii's plains, 

Sups on bought herbs (though he thinks not,) 

Bought faggots heat his brazen pot ; 

But still his own he calls his ground, 295 

For poplar trees its limits bound, 

As tho' a man had owner's power, 

O'er what within a fleeting hour, 

By gift, by purchase, or by might, 

Or death, would be another's right ; 300 

Thus as no one of mortal birth, 

Can claim perpetual use on earth, 

But every heir a heir must have, 

As rolling wave succeeds to wave; 



8l THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. IL 

Why should we covet villas gay, 305 

Or barns to hoard our corn and hay ? 

Why should we still add farm to farm, 

When we can never death disarm, 

Who scorns our gold, and at a blow^ 

Lays great and small together low? 3 

Gems, marble, iv'ry, purple vests, 

Silver and pictures, busts and chests, 

Some men have not, and some there are 

About these things who never care; 

Why should one brother prefer play, 3 

Dress, ointment, loit'ring time away, 

To all the palm-trees, which abound 

In Herod's cultivated ground ? 

The other rich, from dawn of light. 

Incessant toil 'till late at night, 3: 

Intent his woodlands wild to tame. 

With sharpen'd steel and crackling flame I 

The genius knows who at our birth, 

Presides, attending us on earth* 

Who guides our actions, and will have 3! 

An exit with us in the grave; 

Whose changing face like day and night 

Is sometimes black and sometimes white; 

But I will use my little store, 

And take what's needful and no more; 3 

Suppose that I should leave behind, 

Less than my heir expects to find, 

What matters it? yet 1 would make 

Difference between a spendthrift rake, 



?p. II. THE EPISTLES OF HOUACE. &T 

And him, of honest open heart ; 335 

And I would mark the bounds which part, 

The man whose actions, prudence guides, 

And him, who all his treasure hides. 

Surely the difference is great, 

Whether I *quandet au estate, MO 

Or cheerfully my income spend, 

Not anxious my estate to mend ; 

Like school boys who intent on play 

Enjoy a fleeting holiday. 

Within thy dwelling let there be .345 

Nothing like sordid penury; 

Whether it be my lot to float 

■In a large ship, or in a boat, 

I will preserve an eq ;al mind, 

For tho' a fair and prosp'rous wind 350 

May not impel my swelling sail, 

Neither do adverse winds prevail. 

In vigour, genius, and in health, 

In virtue, station, and in wealth, 

The last of those whom first we find, 35$ 

The first of those, who lag behind. 

Thou art not covetous— 'tis true; 

Have other vices left thee too ? 

Does no ambition fire thy breast ? 

Art thou with fear of death distrest ? 369 

Is anger conquer'd ? canst thou smile 

At dreams, and every magic wile? 

At witches, miracles, and sprites, 

And Thessaly's portentous sights? 



$8 THE EPISTLES OF HORACE. Ep. II. 

Dost thou a. grateful reverence pay, 365 

To each returning natal day ? 

Pardon thy friends? dost thou appear 

Milder and better every year? 

What profits it, one thorn to take, 

And leave so many in the brake ? 370 

If to live well, thou wilt not know, 

From those who do, 'tis best to go ; 

Thou hast thrown hours enough away, 

On feasting, drinking, and on play, 

'Tis time to leave them, lest the race 375 

Of youths, whom frolics less disgrace, 

Should with contempt, thy weakness see, 

And shove thee from their company. 



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